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Overjoyed, Igor Thiago can't believe he's at the Copa: “It feels unreal”

Being called up for the World Cup still doesn’t seem real to Igor Thiago. Despite his goal-scoring season for Brentford, the winning goal against Croatia, and the strike against Panama, the forward still hesitates to believe that his dream has come true. That’s what he said in a press conference this Wednesday (3) at The Ridge hotel, where the Seleção is staying in New Jersey.

“When I arrived at Granja, it still hadn’t fully sunk in. It doesn’t feel real. I’m very happy to be here with the national team and to play in this World Cup. It’s something very positive. The biggest goal is to make our people proud. And to have the chance to bring that sixth title home,” he celebrated.

“Being called up for the World Cup is the greatest achievement of my life, personally and professionally. When I was back in my hometown, I dreamed of representing my country, but when you get here, the feeling goes far beyond what I imagined", he added.

Igor Thiago during a press conference with the Brazilian National Team in New JerseyCredits: Rafael Ribeiro/CBF

The 24-year-old player is among coach Carlo Ancelotti’s attacking options and has shown himself to be a valuable alternative. In his debut against France, he was involved well in attacking moves and found the net against Croatia and Panama.

“Regardless of whether I start or not, I want to be available for the national team. Just being available to represent the national team is already a huge source of gratitude and joy. When you wear the national team shirt, you have to be prepared for whatever comes. That mindset of always giving our best football and also encouraging our teammates to do their best—this competitiveness is healthy for our national team, and I hope we can do that more often,” he said.

The Brasília-born striker from Gama ended last season as the highest-scoring Brazilian in a single Premier League campaign, at 24 years old. The previous record was 15 goals, reached by Roberto Firmino for Liverpool in 2017/18, Gabriel Martinelli for Arsenal in 2023/24, and Matheus Cunha for Wolverhampton in 2024/25.